Not too long ago, I commented to my husband how strange it is that “no one ever gives me a simple, inexpensive gift at Christmas like a holiday plant - instead of some costly gizmo or gadget that I don’t really need - even though everyone knows that growing houseplants is one of my favourite pastimes”. He answered: “That’s probably because no one knows what you’ll like”, to which I answered: “Houseplant hobbyists love just about everything available during the Christmas season. How can you resist a Christmas Cactus, Poinsettia, Kalanchoe, Azalea or an Amaryllis bulb that you can watch blossom? And then there are all those festive plant baskets that include at least three common but pretty plants. I’m telling you, you really can’t go wrong this time of year. The selection is stunning and the prices are fair.” His answer: “Oh”

And we’re both right.

If you enjoy the houseplant hobby, friends and family members don’t know whether you’ll like a particular plant or not so they prefer not to present you with one at all. And on the opposite end of the scale, indoor (and outdoor) gardeners love receiving plants as gifts, regardless of what they are, especially during the Christmas season when most of the available plants are colourful and festive. For example, even if someone gave me an Ivy, something that I don’t particularly like and would probably never purchase on my own (unless it was in a basket with other plants, and even then I’d debate it), I’d still be thrilled when I received it. In addition, I’d provide it with the proper care because I am a sensitive person, and nurturing Mother Nature’s gentle and beautiful creations comes naturally to me. Okay, okay, that’s laying it on a bit thick. Maybe I’d do it out of guilt but I’d still do it. And I’d love that someone bought me a plant because it would show that they were in tune with what I enjoy.

So plants are a terrific choice for the indoor (or outdoor) gardener in your life, and something that won’t be readily frowned upon. And if you’re really intent on picking up something you know they’ll like, ask them what they prefer. If you want it to be a surprise, talk plants with them. Plant people love discussing their hobby with anyone willing to listen. We’ll ramble on for as long as you let us (just ask my husband how long it can last, poor soul) and sooner or later we’ll bring up something on our wish list, a plant or two that we are looking forward to adding to our collection. That’s how you get ideas. Once you reach your goal (by then your eyes will be glazing over) feel free to change subjects. We don’t know how to stop on our own, so you may very well be doing both of us a favour.

But as a member of the ‘houseplant hobbyist team’, I’m also here to tell you that you don’t have to stop at potted plants. If you’re not comfortable with giving them as gifts, or you prefer to pick up something else, there are so many other interesting things to choose from.

Below are a few suggestions that the gardener in your life would appreciate.


Subscriptions To Magazines

People who enjoy taking care of plants also enjoy reading about them. Reading is a great way to gather information and expand knowledge. Many indoor gardeners are also outdoor gardeners, so giving them a subscription to a gardening magazine can score you a lot of points. Gardening magazines are packed with a wealth of information and tips that are as fun to apply as they are to read about. And many outdoor gardening magazines also offer some information about indoor plants. Together with interesting articles and handy tips, links to online resources are also available.

Winter months are a great time to catch up on reading, and a garden magazine filled with colourful photos of beautiful plants may just be the thing to chase away the doldrums of winter.


Pots

No matter what type of gardener you have on your Christmas list, what type of medium they use to grow their plants in or even what types of plants they prefer to grow, one thing’s for sure: they always need pots. And lots of them. Ceramic, terracotta/clay, plastic, glazed, unglazed, self-watering, shallow or deep, big or small – there are a wide variety of containers to choose from that come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Some have drainage holes, others do not. Some sit on tabletops, others hang near windows.

There is a container available for every type of gardener at local greenhouses. Why not pick up a decorative pot for a gardener on your list? Take a look a round their home to get a feel for their décor, then head out to a local garden center and pick up an appropriate container. And while you’re at it, make it even more appealing by adding a festive plant in it. A lovely Poinsettia or beautiful Christmas Cactus will do the trick.


Plant Stands


Houseplant enthusiasts love to showcase their plants on stands that add a decorative touch to the rooms they occupy. Some stands support a single houseplant while others support many. And some even consist of multi-levels, which makes them very useful for people growing plants in smaller homes or apartments where space is limited. Like containers, plant stands come in many sizes, styles and shapes, and in a variety of materials such as wood, wrought iron and wicker. They are always in demand and make a wonderful gift. Either visit the gardener on your list to get an idea of their décor, or ask the right questions to find out if there’s a specific plant stand on their wish list.


Offer to Sign Them Up For A Course

Horticultural courses, especially if they’re taken as hobby courses, can be a lot of fun and an interesting way to enhance skills. In addition, they’re also a terrific way to meet likeminded individuals who share the same passion for plants. Find out if local high schools, colleges, universities or community centers offer any courses that might interest the gardener on your list. Get a hold of some pamphlets or some type of documented information and pay a visit to the individual who you’d like to offer the course to. If they take you up on the offer, considering joining them. You may find that you have a natural knack (and appreciation) for plants just like they do.


Pick Up A Light Meter

When you are growing houseplants, one of the most commonly-asked questions is: “Are my plants getting enough light?” And what’s the best way to find out exactly how much light your plants are receiving? By measuring it with a light meter. This handy tool can be used to measure natural light in front of windows as well as artificial light from grow lights. This is a great gift for all gardeners, but especially for the indoor types.


Pick Up Some Grow Lights

One of the biggest complaints from people growing houseplants is that there is never enough light, or enough quality light for their plants to grow properly. A quick and effective solution to this problem is to add grow lights to brighten up darker areas or to add additional light for plants that require higher levels. This is especially necessary during the shorter and darker days of winter when artificial lights are needed to increase the intensity of light or to lengthen daylight.

This is a terrific gift idea, but because there are so many different types of artificial lighting to choose from, it’s best to do your homework first. Plants, depending on their growing needs, require specific types of lighting. Talk to individuals experienced in this area who can help you make the best choice.


Flowering Bulbs


In the dead of winter, primarily in colder regions where the outdoors is barren of vegetation, houseplant hobbyists crave the colour that flowering plants provide. Pick up flowering bulbs like Amaryllis, Hyacinth, Calla Lily or Paperwhites that produce spectacular floral displays for a favourite gardener. They’ll love them! All of these ready-to-grow, guaranteed-to-bloom bulbs come in decorative gift boxes. They are delightful to grow and a wonderful way to brighten up a home during the bleakest days of the year.


Books, Books... And Did I mention Books?

There are a lot of excellent houseplant books available at local stores that the gardener on your list is probably dying to own. Each one is unique and helpful in its own way, and is perfect as a gift. From a handy reference guide to an in-depth knowledge volume, there is a houseplant book to suit every need and style of every indoor gardener.

For some suggestions, head over to: Read All About It


Gift Certificates


More often than not, gift certificates are considered very impersonal. And that is certainly true if they’re for the wrong place. But if you love plants, receiving a gift certificate to a local nursery where you can treat yourself to any plant you want – at the expense of someone else – or to a bookstore - where you can pick up that fabulous book on houseplants that you want to add to your home library - is one of the most appreciated gifts. If you’re stuck on what to get the gardener on your list, let them loose in one of the local greenhouses or bookstores with a gift certificate. Trust me, they’ll love you for it!


And finally...

The Festive Plant Basket

Never be reluctant to pick up the standard, festive gift basket overflowing with seasonal sensations such as Kalanchoe, Poinsettia and Christmas Cactus combined with common favourites such as Dracaena, Ivy and Dieffenbachia. There is no indoor gardener that won’t cherish a pretty plant display available during the holidays.



Most indoor plant growers dream of a green Christmas and the ideas I’ve presented above are just a handful to get you started. There are so many other items that would make a great gift. Visit a local garden center and take a look around; you may discover the perfect item for the plant lover on your list that hasn’t been listed above.

But you better hurry! There are only a few days left till Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Comment On This Article:
Your Name:
Your Email:
(Your email address will not be added to a mailing list or disclosed to other parties.)